The women learned some commonsense tips on how to stay safe, and they also got a firsthand lesson in self-defense from a kickboxing expert.

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Dozens of women turned out at the YWCA in Manchester for the clinic.

"I just think it's important for every woman, especially someone my size, to know how to defend themselves," attendee Heather Rourke said.

"I'm a survivor of violent crime myself, and I wish I knew some of this stuff beforehand. They don't teach this to girls in school," attendee Martha Davies said.

The women were taught some techniques by local self-defense expert Christina Davidson from the Training Station in Manchester.

Davidson holds a black belt in kickboxing and taekwondo, but she said no matter what the skill level is, there are things a woman can learn that could help her if she is attacked.

"They need to be able to focus on getting away from the person, doing whatever they need to instantly get away," Davidson said. "There are some things you can do to give you just that split second so you can get away to safety."

One of the places where a person is most vulnerable to an attack is at an ATM, but there are some simple ways to stay safe, like avoiding outdoor ATMs after dark.

"Go to a grocery store, a pharmacy or supermarket, somewhere where the ATM is inside. That way, people don't know if you are going in to get a loaf of bread or going in there to get some money," Manchester Police Department spokesman Paul Rondeau said.

The safety clinic also focused on safety tips for the home and everyday life. Rondeau said to lock doors even when at home and never leave doors unlocked.

The Manchester Police Department offers the safety clinic every spring and fall, and it is free to the public.